ABSTRACT

One approach to an economic analysis might be to consider the natural environment as a form of production capital: Nature 'produces' certain goods and services. In order to arrive at the principal problems involved, the services provided by Nature can be divided into three main categories:

( 1) waste disposal services (2) extraction services (3) amenity services Discharge of residuals from economic activities is countered by a waste disposal service provided by Nature. The exploitation of substances existing in the natural environment, such as minerals, oil, forest, fish, water, oxygen, etc. is countered by extraction services. Amenity services, here intended in a very wide and comprehensive sense, may include everything from open-air activities, angling, bathing, etc. to aesthetic experiences, and the view that Nature possesses an innate value in itself.